San Sarv Bu Pm Tf 11 Sk 103Sandals

Exposition of the Upāhanāruḷha Sutta (Sandals Sutta)

Context

The Upāhanāruḷha Sutta (Pāli: Upāhana = sandals; ruḷha = to step up) belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the early Buddhist tradition. It is a part of the monastic rules related to the daily life of monks and nuns. The Vinaya Piṭaka was compiled to record the teachings of the Buddha Gotama on monastic discipline, in order to maintain harmony, self-restraint, and ethical education within the monastic community.

This text arose from a specific situation, typical of the way the Buddha taught the Dharma. Whenever a problem arose in the Sangha, he would establish a rule to correct it. These rules were not arbitrary punishments, but wise guidelines intended to nourish spiritual life, protect the honor of the Dharma, and educate disciples.

Main Content

The Upāhanāruḷha Sutta concerns the wearing of sandals in daily activities at the monastery. Although the title may seem minor, this matter reflects a profound principle in Buddhist discipline. In the early tradition, whether one wears sandals or not is regarded as an expression of carefulness, respect, and personal discipline.

According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, a monk or nun should not climb up to high places (such as roofs or trees) or enter places considered sacred within the monastery while wearing sandals. This expresses reverence for sacred space, and also shows that a monastic should prepare the mind carefully before approaching places of special significance, such as places of worship or places of safety for the community.

This text also records careless actions performed by some monks and nuns, causing the Buddha to intervene. These monastics wore sandals and stepped into places where they should not have gone, causing a loss of dignity and ridicule. From this, the Buddha established a clear rule to prevent such undisciplined conduct.